GLOVERSVILLE – When new parents visit Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home, they receive free bags containing bibs, tips and educational materials.
Now in its second year, the gift bags are the result of a partnership between the Gloversville Educational Foundation and Nathan Littauer Hospital. The bibs were made possible by a grant from Stewart’s Shops’ Holiday Match program.
Geoffrey Peck, vice president of business development at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home, said it’s important for all parents to learn how to communicate with their child, and the educational materials included in the bag provide guidance on how to do this effectively.
“Children came to preschool and kindergarten without communication skills, and that comes from the home,” Peck said. “The earlier we encourage parents to talk to their children, sing to them and read to them, the better the child will succeed.”
Peck expects the hospital to have 300 to 400 births by 2025 and said the bags will help children raise their children.
David Halloran, superintendent of the Gloversville Enlarged School District, said education is a lifelong endeavor.
“We focus on supporting young children and young parents who benefit from playing a role in their children’s lives,” he said.
The superintendent echoed Peck’s sentiments about the problems the program seeks to alleviate.
“We have children who cannot speak and have problems with word recognition and counting,” Halloran said.
He pointed out that parents have a special influence on the development of their skills.
“Parents are aware of the important role they play in dealing with their children. We hope that children come to us who have the skills to develop and learn,” he said.
